OPERATING TABLE

Steve Jobs Had Liver Transplant

Apple CEO missed iPhone launch but will return soon.

The slightest bit of light has been shed on Steve Jobs' mystery illness: Apple reports today that its CEO, who has been on medical leave since January, underwent a liver transplant two months ago, and he's recovering well. The technology guru is set to return to work later this month, though, following doctors' orders, he may work part-time for a a while—perhaps leading to an expanded role for Apple's #2, Tim Cook. In the past, shareholders have criticized Jobs for disclosing such limited information about his health problems, which began in 2004, when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The gaunt Jobs took a medical leave of absence in January, but offered little insight at the time as to what was ailing him, leading to rampant speculation in the press that he was suffering from a relapse.